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Tips
Tips

new generator - very hot when I use the lights

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athenssprite

athenssprite

Senior Member
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I replaced the generator on my '60 Bugeye with one from the VB catalog. It has solved my charging issue (yay!) I took it out for an evening run with the lights and noticed it was very warm to the touch. Does not seem this warm when I don't run the lights. Any ideas? I thought about a rebuild on my original but one of the mounting points was broken.
 
I guess the question is, just how warm? The generator can heat up a bit when under a heavy electrical load. It shouldn't be burn-your-finger hot, but just hot to the touch may be OK.

I'd go through the standard checks of the voltage regulator, which should be in any shop manual. If that checks out, don't worry about it.
 
Thanks Steve. At this point, I would have to say it wouldn't burn you. Just being cautious.
 
The headlights are the biggest electrical current draw on the bugeye. around 10 amps for all the lights (low beam) + coil 5A + a bit for the battery. Not suppried it's a little warm. Have you checked the wiring to the headlights? make sure all connections are tight & not corroded, as this will add to the load.
Did you notice your old one being hot? Is the mounting hole weldable?
 
I did not pay attention to whether the old generator got that hot. After replacing it with the VB unit, I wanted to make sure it was working properly. I'll run through the standard checks Steve mentioned and check the headlight and coil wiring. As far as the mounting hole on the original generator being weldable- I guess a piece could be fabricated but essentially the "ear" broke off. Thanks for the replies.
 
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